That's what I'm saying and you are living proof that you can reinvent yourself at any age despite the discrimination.

Correction. I did not come here to get on the benefits train. But, since this downturn is not my fault, all I asked for was a warm bed at night. Days I am out looking for work. So I did not expect nor demand anything until I really really needed it.

That warm bed was refused by council. If not for the temple, I would have jumped infront of a train by now.

Went to lovely Wolverhampton and printed out 12 jobs that I know I qualify for. It costs 9 pounds per return from where I am at to Birm., so I have to be careful what job I take and the hours.

I am really sorry to hear of your situation - you must be feeling terrible at this moment. Can you not contact anyone at the british embassy regarding your passport etc for support, there MUST be someone out there able to help you. They let you into the UK, so sureley it doesnt seem right that you can be left in this way. If there was problem with your british passport then how come they let you live in the UK?

I know you are not asking for handouts etc, it seems that you are looking for a job. Have you taken any legal advice about your last employer? If you have a contract, surely you have rights, what about citizens advice bureau? Cant you claim unfair dismissal - you can get legal advice for free if you look hard . They should have given you an explanation for asking you to leave like that, what have you done wrong? If they cant give you an answer I could seek advice - they should also have paid you for the hours you have worked. I would seek further advice.........

Thanks for the message. I have not contacted any cab, as really, I am emotionally maxed out and cannot hear more bad news.

I am taking it one day at a time.
Appreciate the info, though. I may come back as a lion one day and give that place hell, legally.

Have you registered with a gp? If you havent yet, I suggest you do so now. If you are emotionally maxed out go and see a gp now so you can get some help - they might be able to point you in the right direction or get you a social worker or something. Dont give up....Find out where the nearest gp is and go do it now...

I am very sympathetic to your situation and did not think you were coming here to jump on the benefits train. Nor is the economic downtown your fault. But the economic downturn started before you got on the plane to the UK. So there was always a risk.

I guess until you get somewhere, you can't see how bad it really is. I also know you are British, but not having lived here in many decades and having to establish yourself in a new place is tough, even if there is no downturn.

It sounds like you are extremely hardworking - but from a UK employer's perspective I think they would be more likely to go with known quantities in times like this. Also, they are more likely to get rid of "the new guy" if savings are to be made and jobs to be cut unless they have someone on staff they have been trying to get rid off for some time.

I know it is tough to accept that it is not easy to get help unless you have been here for a while - but this is the same in most countries. If it was any different, then tons of people would come and take advantage of it. I am not implying that you are one of those - but how are the authorities to know and make exceptions?

What a great story, Flea. Congratulations on your attitude and your success.

Bev

I'm not sure if you've been to your local unemployment office. Was that the place in Wolverhampton? As you're not entitled to benefits it probably doesn't help, but they used to be able to provide help for traveling to realistic job interviews. Doesn't hurt to ask.

I know you're feeling rotten right now, but it would be worth your while to try to find someone who understands the system to see if there's a bit of help. The idea of getting a GP is good.

Also, have you checked out your local library for information resources? They can be brilliant.

Bev

No, I have not checked with the local library. Good idea, though.
Thanks. Today I got two voicemails (from my Skype account, which I had not checked in a week) so Monday I will call and see what it is about.

I forgot I had Skype, which I used with a local UK number prior to coming. Just updated all my cvs out there with my mobile now.

Thanks Bev.

Totally wasted my time though. OP doesnt even have the good manners to acknowledge my post.
Either he feels this is beneath him, or he really isnt that desperate for money.

I'm in a crotchety bad mood today... have you noticed?

I think you're being a little harsh on the guy. He's desperately trying to find work, there's a lot of posts on this thread, and he's prob got better things to do than post on here all the time.

BTW whereamIfrom, despite my previous comments (yeh I get crotchety too - sorry!) it's very impressive what you've done. Keep your chin up, sure you'll find something soon, and great that you're getting so much support from good people on this forum.

I think his online time is very limited so I wouldn't expect he has time to reply to every poster.
I'd be camped out at the job center if I was you whereamifrom
Also did you get your passport back for the crazy restaurant lady?

Maybe, I just get tired sometimes of making posts and trying to help only to have wasted my time, couple that with 2hrs sleep last night and my fuse is short
I have only been back from there 6 weeks, and I know for a fact that there are plenty of lower paid/casual/christmas temp type jobs available. All of these can be checked online let alone already being there.
I know he is trying, but in my opinion, he needs to broaden his horizon in the short term and just take anything he can get to make some cash to stay alive until something he is more suited to comes along, and my example in previous post was made to illustrate just one idea of things you can do if you are desperate. I dont neccesarily say he should do exactly that, just think outside the square a bit.

I have good manners, perhaps I simply overlooked your post? Mentally I am not well, so please please please forgive me.

Your post is hereby acknowledged.
Thanks.

Only if you send me a 24 box of scampi fries out of your first weeks wages